Visiting Baguio: Shopping, Dining, and Having Fun in Panagbenga Festival

Check out these fun activities you should do in Panagbenga!

By: Maya Santiago | February 07, 2016

Are you ready for another trip to Baguio City? This time, why not go with your family, friends, and loved ones and experience the city’s biggest and most-awaited event, the Panagbenga Festival also known as Baguio Flower Festival!

Panagbenga Festival 2016 (Photo by ShoppersGuide)

This year, the celebration which is done to commemorate Baguio’s season of blooming flowers will start on February 1 and end on March 6. Yes! It is a month-long festival so it is best to have some idea of the events that await you and plan your itinerary! Grab a pen and paper and list down all events that you think will excite your soul and fit your budget so you will surely have fun amidst the huge Baguio tourist crowd. Isn’t it exciting? So, go ahead and take a look at this shopping, dining, and enjoyment activity plan for the Panagbenga Festival 2016 that we have prepared for you.

Enjoyment and sights

Parades!

Photo by ShoppersGuide

Definitely, the best times to be in the Panagbenga Festival are during the parades! Witness the Grand Opening Parade on February 1 featuring the “Drum & Lyre Dance Competition – Elementary Division.” Don’t forget the route so you can get the best views: Panagbenga Park – Session Road – Magsaysay Avenue – Harrison Road – Melvin Jones Football Grounds.

Photo by ShoppersGuide

Grand Street Dancing Parade (Photo courtesy of City Government of Baguio)

Next major spectacle is the Grand Street Dancing Parade which happens on February 27, 8:00 AM. Route is Panagbenga Park – Session Road – Magsaysay Avenue – Harrison Road – Athletic Bowl. Finally, on February 28 is the Grand Float Parade which starts at 8:00 AM starting at DILG to Session Road then Harrison Road to Athletic Bowl.

Be a tree-hugger, environmentalist, or nature-lover. Visit the “Baguio Bloom in Exhibitions and Exposition,” and see for yourself the stunning display of flower arrangements, garden designs, and landscapes created by different participating schools from the Cordillera Administrative Region. The exhibit will be held at Lake Drive, Burnham Park. If you find yourself in the mood to see some more flora, you can have Baguio Orchidarium as your next stop. The Orchidarium, which is located at Shanum Street, Baguio City, is home to colorful orchids and other flowering and non-flowering plants of different varieties.

Session Road in Bloom (February 29 – March 4, 2016)

Another most-anticipated event in the annual Festival is the “Session Road in Bloom.” If your ideas of fun are food tripping and shopping ‘til you drop, this one is the perfect event for you. The two-way road will be closed to give way to around 30 to 40 stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, books, food, handicrafts, artworks, and of course, the strawberry taho, among many other local products. A mini-concert on the side also graces the affair.

Variety Shows

Chinese Spring Festival (Photo courtesy of City Government of Baguio)

After watching the grand opening parade on February 1, 2016, your next bets for Instagram-worthy pictures will be the Chinese Spring Festival on February 8, 2016, where dragon dances and parades happen all over the city, and the activities set on February 14, 2016, for Valentine’s Day. Different shows and activities on that day like “The Kite Flying Challenge,” “Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio,” “Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom,” “Panagbenga Variety Show,” and fireworks display await you.

Shopping and Immersing with the Locals

Blocks 3 and 4 Market Bazaar

If you like to shop for trendy clothes, but do it easily within your budget, why not go to Blocks 3 and 4 Market Bazaar which are located at the Hilltop market. These shops in Baguio City sells second-hand clothes, bags, shoes, and other stuff that you might like. Immediately beside these shops is the public market where you can buy souvenirs of your trip in Baguio City.

Some Good Things to Grab at the Market

Are you the type of person who makes a list of things you need to buy before going to the market or someone who just proceeds to the market and buys as you go wandering among the stalls? Either way, the “Baguio Public Market” is a good stop for you to enjoy some authentic Baguio shopping. Located at the lower end of Session Road, organic products from Cordillera and Northern Luzon abound in this place aside from great souvenir finds.

Weave and Other Native Clothing Fabrics

Photo by Writer

Why not have fun and try wearing clothes and fashion accessories made of Baguio’s native clothing fabric like weave? This native fabric is woven by indigenous people of the Baguio highlands. For sure you will love the style and patterns of the scarves, skirts, blouses, and pashminas which are affordably priced as well. These Native Ifugao woven pieces can be found in Maharlika Livelihood Complex Building. The place is also popular for shops selling knitted goods, traditional clothing, and popular souvenirs from Cordillera.

Dining

Eat Well and Stay Zestful

Photo by ShoppersGuide

What are you craving for? Healthy viands, but affordable prices? There is a place in Session Road that festival revelers and backpackers revisit for its good food, breads, and other pastries at considerably affordable prices. This place is called Calajo Food House which serves meals for as low as Php 70.00. Their dining area can accommodate many customers or guests. It is located at B-213 B, F. Lopez Building, Session Road, Baguio City.

Have a good rest and the “best dessert” in Baguio

Photo by ShoppersGuide

All the walking, dancing, and scouting for good finds in Session Road can lead you to crave for a quick rest, chat, and coffee with your friends. A good place to do this and have a very delectable cake too is at Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop. Vizco’s is very popular for its mouth-watering Strawberry Shortcake. Salads and pastas are also available. Its exact location is 8 GF Pusong Baguio Building Session Road, Baguio City.

More Tips!

Don’t forget to be prepared for the long walks and the cool Baguio weather (average of 15°C to 25°C in February)! Jackets, umbrellas or caps, a bottle of water, and a good pair of sneakers or walking shoes will all help you to have a more convenient and enjoyable time. The complete schedule of the Panagbenga Festival can be seen at the Official Website of The Panagbenga Flower Festival at panagbengaflowerfestival.com.

Are you ready for another trip to Baguio City? This time, why not go with your family, friends, and loved ones and experience the city’s biggest and most-awaited event, the Panagbenga Festival also known as Baguio Flower Festival!

Panagbenga Festival 2016 (Photo by ShoppersGuide)

This year, the celebration which is done to commemorate Baguio’s season of blooming flowers will start on February 1 and end on March 6. Yes! It is a month-long festival so it is best to have some idea of the events that await you and plan your itinerary! Grab a pen and paper and list down all events that you think will excite your soul and fit your budget so you will surely have fun amidst the huge Baguio tourist crowd. Isn’t it exciting? So, go ahead and take a look at this shopping, dining, and enjoyment activity plan for the Panagbenga Festival 2016 that we have prepared for you.

Enjoyment and sights

Parades!

Photo by ShoppersGuide

Definitely, the best times to be in the Panagbenga Festival are during the parades! Witness the Grand Opening Parade on February 1 featuring the “Drum & Lyre Dance Competition – Elementary Division.” Don’t forget the route so you can get the best views: Panagbenga Park – Session Road – Magsaysay Avenue – Harrison Road – Melvin Jones Football Grounds.

Photo by ShoppersGuide

Grand Street Dancing Parade (Photo courtesy of City Government of Baguio)

Next major spectacle is the Grand Street Dancing Parade which happens on February 27, 8:00 AM. Route is Panagbenga Park – Session Road – Magsaysay Avenue – Harrison Road – Athletic Bowl. Finally, on February 28 is the Grand Float Parade which starts at 8:00 AM starting at DILG to Session Road then Harrison Road to Athletic Bowl.

Be a tree-hugger, environmentalist, or nature-lover. Visit the “Baguio Bloom in Exhibitions and Exposition,” and see for yourself the stunning display of flower arrangements, garden designs, and landscapes created by different participating schools from the Cordillera Administrative Region. The exhibit will be held at Lake Drive, Burnham Park. If you find yourself in the mood to see some more flora, you can have Baguio Orchidarium as your next stop. The Orchidarium, which is located at Shanum Street, Baguio City, is home to colorful orchids and other flowering and non-flowering plants of different varieties.

Session Road in Bloom (February 29 – March 4, 2016)

Another most-anticipated event in the annual Festival is the “Session Road in Bloom.” If your ideas of fun are food tripping and shopping ‘til you drop, this one is the perfect event for you. The two-way road will be closed to give way to around 30 to 40 stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, books, food, handicrafts, artworks, and of course, the strawberry taho, among many other local products. A mini-concert on the side also graces the affair.

Variety Shows

Chinese Spring Festival (Photo courtesy of City Government of Baguio)

After watching the grand opening parade on February 1, 2016, your next bets for Instagram-worthy pictures will be the Chinese Spring Festival on February 8, 2016, where dragon dances and parades happen all over the city, and the activities set on February 14, 2016, for Valentine’s Day. Different shows and activities on that day like “The Kite Flying Challenge,” “Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio,” “Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom,” “Panagbenga Variety Show,” and fireworks display await you.

Shopping and Immersing with the Locals

Blocks 3 and 4 Market Bazaar

If you like to shop for trendy clothes, but do it easily within your budget, why not go to Blocks 3 and 4 Market Bazaar which are located at the Hilltop market. These shops in Baguio City sells second-hand clothes, bags, shoes, and other stuff that you might like. Immediately beside these shops is the public market where you can buy souvenirs of your trip in Baguio City.

Some Good Things to Grab at the Market

Are you the type of person who makes a list of things you need to buy before going to the market or someone who just proceeds to the market and buys as you go wandering among the stalls? Either way, the “Baguio Public Market” is a good stop for you to enjoy some authentic Baguio shopping. Located at the lower end of Session Road, organic products from Cordillera and Northern Luzon abound in this place aside from great souvenir finds.

Weave and Other Native Clothing Fabrics

Photo by Writer

Why not have fun and try wearing clothes and fashion accessories made of Baguio’s native clothing fabric like weave? This native fabric is woven by indigenous people of the Baguio highlands. For sure you will love the style and patterns of the scarves, skirts, blouses, and pashminas which are affordably priced as well. These Native Ifugao woven pieces can be found in Maharlika Livelihood Complex Building. The place is also popular for shops selling knitted goods, traditional clothing, and popular souvenirs from Cordillera.

Dining

Eat Well and Stay Zestful

Photo by ShoppersGuide

What are you craving for? Healthy viands, but affordable prices? There is a place in Session Road that festival revelers and backpackers revisit for its good food, breads, and other pastries at considerably affordable prices. This place is called Calajo Food House which serves meals for as low as Php 70.00. Their dining area can accommodate many customers or guests. It is located at B-213 B, F. Lopez Building, Session Road, Baguio City.

Have a good rest and the “best dessert” in Baguio

Photo by ShoppersGuide

All the walking, dancing, and scouting for good finds in Session Road can lead you to crave for a quick rest, chat, and coffee with your friends. A good place to do this and have a very delectable cake too is at Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop. Vizco’s is very popular for its mouth-watering Strawberry Shortcake. Salads and pastas are also available. Its exact location is 8 GF Pusong Baguio Building Session Road, Baguio City.

More Tips!

Don’t forget to be prepared for the long walks and the cool Baguio weather (average of 15°C to 25°C in February)! Jackets, umbrellas or caps, a bottle of water, and a good pair of sneakers or walking shoes will all help you to have a more convenient and enjoyable time. The complete schedule of the Panagbenga Festival can be seen at the Official Website of The Panagbenga Flower Festival at panagbengaflowerfestival.com.

About Maya Santiago

Maya is currently teaching pre-school at YMCA Baguio. Academically, she enjoys spending her time in writing and outdoor activities. She believes words are like arts that can make a difference.

Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.